The Earth-Atmosphere Energy Balance

The earth-atmosphere energy balance is the balance between incoming energy from the Sun and outgoing energy from the Earth. Energy released from the Sun is emitted as shortwave light and ultraviolet energy. When it reaches the Earth, some is reflected back to space by clouds, some is absorbed by the atmosphere, and some is absorbed at the Earth's surface.

However, since the Earth is much cooler than the Sun, its radiating energy is much weaker (long wavelength) infrared energy. We can indirectly see this energy radiate into the atmosphere as heat, rising from a hot road, creating shimmers on hot sunny days.

The earth-atmosphere energy balance is achieved as the energy received from the Sun balances the energy lost by the Earth back into space. In this way, the Earth maintains a stable average temperature and therefore a stable climate. Using 100 units of energy from the sun as a baseline the energy balance is as follows:

At the top of the atmosphere - Incoming energy from the sun balanced with outgoing energy from the earth.

Incoming energy

Outgoing energy

Units

Source

Units

Source

+100

Short wave radiation from the sun.

-23

Short wave radiation reflected back to space by clouds.

-7

Short wave radiation reflected to space by the earth's surface.

-49

Longwave radiation from the atmosphere into space.

-9

Longwave radiation from clouds into space.

-12

Longwave radiation from the earth's surface into space.

+100

Total Incoming

-100

Total Outgoing

The atmosphere itself - Energy into the atmosphere is balanced with outgoing energy from atmosphere.

Incoming energy

Outgoing energy

Units

Source

Units

Source

+19

Absorbed short wave radiation by gases in the atmosphere.

-9

Long wave radiation emitted to space by clouds.

+4

Absorbed short wave radiation by clouds.

-49

Long wave radiation emitted to space by gases in atmosphere.

+104

Absorbed longwave radiation from earth's surface.

-98

Longwave radiation emitted to earth's surface by gases in atmosphere.

+5

From convective currents (rising air warms the atmosphere).

+24

Condensation /Deposition of water vapor (heat is released into the atmosphere by process).

+156

Total Incoming

-156

Total Outgoing

At the earth's surface - Energy absorbed is balanced with the energy released.

Incoming energy

Outgoing energy

Units

Source

Units

Source

+47

Absorbed short wave radiation from the sun.

-116

Long wave radiation emitted by the surface.

+98

Absorbed longwave radiation from gases in atmosphere.

-5

Removal of heat by convection (rising warm air).

-24

Heat required by the processes of evaporation and sublimation and therefore removed from the surface.

+145

Total Incoming

-145

Total Outgoing

The absorption of infrared radiation trying to escape from the Earth back to space is particularly important to the global energy balance. Energy absorption by the atmosphere stores more energy near its surface than it would if there was no atmosphere.

The average surface temperature of the moon, which has no atmosphere, is 0°F (-18°C). By contrast, the average surface temperature of the Earth is 59°F (15°C). This heating effect is called the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse warming is enhanced during nights when the sky is overcast. Heat energy from the earth can be trapped by clouds leading to higher temperatures as compared to nights with clear skies. The air is not allowed to cool as much with overcast skies. Under partly cloudy skies, some heat is allowed to escape and some remains trapped. Clear skies allow for the most cooling to take place.

Atmosphere Topics

How cloud cover can affect nighttime temperatures

Greenhouse warming is enhanced during nights when the sky is overcast. Heat energy from the earth can be trapped by clouds leading to higher temperatures as compared to nights with clear skies. The air is not allowed to cool as much with overcast skies. Under partly cloudy skies, some heat is allowed to escape and some remains trapped. Clear skies allow for the most cooling to take place.

US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
1325 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 20910